Need to make buying decision based on towing; Please help!

[Nobody38]

Thanks for the reply. I’m only hauling 7000 pounds max. I can only afford used in 27-35 range. My thinking is the ram 2500 with the smaller v8 is the best option. Thoughts?

 

[Nobody38]

I would recommend a 2500 with a 6.4 hemi. I have a 2014 2500 tradesman and I'm happy with it. I live in east TN, so I tow on hilly curvy roads. If you got a 6.4 with the 4:10 gear it would be awesome. But even with the 3:73 you wouldn't have a problem towing 7,000 pounds with it, and you'll still get decent mpg.

 

[Toddz]

I think the one you posted with the 4.10 rear end and the 5.7 hemi would be fine for your needs. I towed a little over the weight of your trailer for years with the vulnerable Ford 5.4 Triton (which has way less than the 5.7 Hemi), and with a 4 speed trans.

 

[Skrap]

I'd be looking at Ram 2500 with the 6.4 engines with the Ford and 6.2 engines as a close second. THe 2500 is going to be so much more enjoyable to drive and the 6.4 has plenty of power for your needs. The truck in the attached link is exactly what I'd buy. I currently own a 2015 Ram 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 6.4 4x4 and a 2017 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4. I'd take the 2500 all day every day to tow a 7K pound trailer.

I think you if you are concerned with fuel mileage so much you should really pencil out how much actual driving you will be doing over the course of your 2-3 months travel vacation. Are you traveling every 2-3 days to different locations and how far apart is each destination? Is 10%-15% worse fuel mileage over the other half ton trucks that big of a deal over the 3 months of travel. What's that number? I'd say the quality of towing with a 2500 and comfort it provides is well worth the additonal cost of truck and fuel.

Check this truck out. Nice Big Horn Model under your budget. And a resonable distance from your home base. Probably could be had for a couple grand less than advertised.
Used 2015 RAM 2500 Big Horn for sale in Clarksville, AR 72830: Truck Details - 572049585 - Autotrader

 

[dhay13]

I'd be looking at Ram 2500 with the 6.4 engines with the Ford and 6.2 engines as a close second. THe 2500 is going to be so much more enjoyable to drive and the 6.4 has plenty of power for your needs. The truck in the attached link is exactly what I'd buy. I currently own a 2015 Ram 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 6.4 4x4 and a 2017 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4. I'd take the 2500 all day every day to tow a 7K pound trailer.

I think you if you are concerned with fuel mileage so much you should really pencil out how much actual driving you will be doing over the course of your 2-3 months travel vacation. Are you traveling every 2-3 days to different locations and how far apart is each destination? Is 10%-15% worse fuel mileage over the other half ton trucks that big of a deal over the 3 months of travel. What's that number? I'd say the quality of towing with a 2500 and comfort it provides is well worth the additonal cost of truck and fuel.

Check this truck out. Nice Big Horn Model under your budget. And a resonable distance from your home base. Probably could be had for a couple grand less than advertised.
Used 2015 RAM 2500 Big Horn for sale in Clarksville, AR 72830: Truck Details - 572049585 - Autotrader

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Very nice truck. Has about the same options as mine. Mine is a 2018 that I bought in May 2019 with 8000 miles on it for $39,900. My son got an identical one with 6000 miles for $39,900. We both bought ours from a local used car dealer that bought them at an auction from Canada. Mine now has just under 20,000 on it and my sons has over 73,000 on his and the only issues either has had was my GPS on my touchscreen went whacky. The local dealer replaced in under warranty.

My son has towed his 8000lb camper about 6000 miles around the country with no issues and gets about 8-9 MPG towing depending on terrain. His CAT scale ticket from our trip to Texas was 16,180lbs combined weight. I average about 12.2 in mine since I got it (hand calculated). I tow our 9000lb boat with ours but have only towed it about 500 miles

 

[They call me DLD]

Having read most of this thread I think I see your situation. A few thoughts of mine:

Used pickup truck pricing is crazy high. Better to purchase new.
I like 2WD, but everybody says that 4WD has better resale value when you choose to sell it.

I'd be shopping for a new Ram 2500 crew cab Tradesman with the 6.4 Hemi, a locking diff, the 4.10 axle ratio, trailer brake, tow hooks and the 220 amp alternator. Probably don't absolutely need the tow hooks or the 220 amp alternator, but those options are very inexpensive options when the factory builds it. The bigger side mirrors cost $195 and should be considered.

That might be the sweet spot. Best bang for the buck.

 

[TOMMYGUNNZZ]

I was in your exact situation. I have a Coleman 32ft TT at 6000lbs dry. You really would be maxing a 1500 out. Especially when you may want to start carrying generators, portable washer, bikes and maybe your wife and kids. After long debate I chose the 2020 2500 Bighorn 6.4L over a Power Wagon and the Rebel. 14k towing drops only a half inch.

 

[Danny Phillips]

2500 6.7 absolutely. I have a 2015 Cummins that I took to Washington State in April. Got 15 MPG, I think I have a 3:42 axle, 80 MPH in Idaho and Oregon back to Payson AZ. I also pulled our 32ft fifth wheel from CA to WA then down to here. I went to WA to get my Scout and toolbox out of storage. The only weak spot I know of is the Tranny, you can't get an Aisin in a 2500 only 3500. I bought it new in March 2015 for $55355.00 original price was 68000.

 

[Gr8bawana]

2500 6.7 absolutely. I have a 2015 Cummins that I took to Washington State in April. Got 15 MPG, I think I have a 3:42 axle, 80 MPH in Idaho and Oregon back to Payson AZ. I also pulled our 32ft fifth wheel from CA to WA then down to here. I went to WA to get my Scout and toolbox out of storage. The only weak spot I know of is the Tranny, you can't get an Aisin in a 2500 only 3500. I bought it new in March 2015 for $55355.00 original price was 68000.

Why is the trans a weak spot? As long as guys leave their trucks in stock form the trans is more than capable and reliable.
You only say that because that's what you've heard or read about on these truck forums.

 

[CalDad14]

I see 14-18 towing a 13,000 5th wheel here on flat and hills in northern AZ. Empty I get 22-27.3mpg. But I'm running a tuner and plenty of add ons and deletions. Ive kept my truck since new, I have never thought to get a newer year truck. Mine is a 2007 3500 single wheel 4x4. Alison 1000 built tranny. First year i found original tranny is crap all around.

Are you saying you have an Allison transmission in a 07' Ram 3500? That sounds amazing. Back in the day, my best friend had an 07' Silverado 2500, 6.6 Duramax, 6-speed trans, brand new....it was like friggin rocket ship! Having an Allison powered by a Cummins sure sounds like Christmas morning to me!